School Yard to Sports Star: Alex and Nettie Edmondson

Do you remember your first goal, score or win when you played school sport and how did it feel?

Nettie: I remember when I moved to the hills and we had to play two schools sports, one in winter and one in summer, I chose basketball and soccer. The first goal I scored was in a game of soccer and it was all boys except for me and the ball rolled to me at about the halfway mark and because I had played previously I booted it and all the boys jaws dropped!

Alex: Yes! It was playing soccer and I was normally a defender so I didn’t get to score too often. But one day I took it all the way to halfway and then booted it right into the goal. It was a great feeling, a really cool moment!

What’s your fondest memory of playing sport at school?

Nettie: The best thing about playing team sport at school was playing altogether with your friends and also having my parents on the sidelines to see me score.

Alex: Sharing the experience with your friends. You spend the whole day talking about it and then talking about it again the next day; who played the best, the great moments etc.

How old were you when it ‘clicked’ that you wanted to be a professional sports player?

Nettie: It’s quite strange that it’s only now that I really realise that I am actually doing this professionally. I love it so much that sometimes it still feels like it’s just a hobby!

Alex: For me, it was going through high school, around year 9 and 10. I wasn’t the most academic kid going around and luckily I found something I loved and was passionate about. Looking back now the people who doubted me fuelled the fire for me, pushing me harder to pursue my dreams of being a professional cyclist.

What are your top three tips to children about playing sport?

Nettie:

Have fun!

Get your friends involved

If you’re not enjoying one sport, try something different because there are so many different things to try!

Alex:

Have fun!

Try hard but remember you’re not playing English Premier League!

Encourage everyone to get involved. There are always classmates who are shy or slow to get involved so be the person who invites them and encourages them to join your team.